Manchester United’s need for a new striker has been massively evident over the last couple of months, massively holding them back from any success.

The Red Devils’ lack of goals is reflected in their Premier League goalscoring tally in 2024/25, with no player in the squad able to register double figures.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were the two main options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal last season, but only managed to net seven goals between them in England’s top flight.

If the club are to be a success throughout 2025/26, it’s crucial that the board back the manager to allow him to make the additions he requires if he is to be a success in the near future.

Countless players have already been touted for switches to Old Trafford this summer, but it’s important he makes the right call as to which forward he makes his priority in the coming months.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Ollie Watkins is a striker who has been constantly mentioned over the last couple of days, but no deal has yet been completed for the Englishman’s signature.

Unai Emery’s side are demanding a £60m fee to part ways with the forward, a fee that may prove to be too expensive given his age of 29 and undoubtedly coming to the back end of his career.

As a result, other alternatives have been considered over the past couple of days, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović emerging as an option, according to the Daily Mail.

They claim that the Serbian has been involved in talks between the two sides, with the Italian outfit using the forward as leverage in a separate deal which could see Jadon Sancho leave the club.

It also states that the 25-year-old - who has a reported price tag of £26m - could be open to a move to the Premier League, but his wage demands could provide a stumbling block in any move this summer.

Why United’s latest target would be better than Watkins

There’s no denying that Watkins would be an excellent option, but his current price tag is way beyond the fee you would expect for a forward given his age.

However, he would offer a Premier League-proven option in the final third, as seen by his tally of 60 goals across the last three seasons under Emery at Villa Park.

As a result, he’s been one of the deadliest stars in the division, but that doesn’t make him the best addition on the market, with other options being a better fit or the current squad.

Vlahovic would certainly be better than Watkins, being four years younger than the Villa star, and having the ability to build on the success he’s already built for himself in Italy.

When comparing their respective stats from last season, the Juve star has managed to outperform Watkins in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better addition this window.

The Serbian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered more shots on target per 90, whilst notching more shot-creating actions, handing Amorim’s side the constant threat they’ve lacked in recent times.

He’s also won more of the aerial battles he’s entered in 2024/25, providing a focal point for the Red Devils to play off and allowing for improved link-up play in the final third.

Vlahovic’s dominance is further reflected in his progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90, having the skillset to provide others with opportunities rather than focusing on his own goalscoring record.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost this summer, but if he’s used in a deal for Sancho, it could prove to be excellent business from the hierarchy.

No doubt Watkins would also be a super signing, but Vlahovic has the all-round tools needed to play a vital role in their hunt for glory during Amorim’s spell in charge at Old Trafford.